Jordan Brunoli, a much-loved musician, has sadly been diagnosed with "incurable" cancer at just 29 years old.
The disease, which has spread to his liver and lymph nodes, has been a devastating blow to the musician and his family, per News.com.au.
Brunoli recently began his second round of chemotherapy and has since undergone surgery, including the creation of a stoma — an opening in his bowels to collect waste.
Despite these challenges, the bassist for Brisbane-based band Bugs is urging young people to recognize the warning signs of the disease, which he believes could make the difference between catching cancer early or facing a far more serious diagnosis.
"I thought I was too young, but there has been a recent increase in instances of colorectal cancer in people under 30," Brunoli wrote on his GoFundMe page. "Getting a diagnosis now could be the difference in a stage 1 tumor or stage 4 metastatic."
The band first broke the heartbreaking news to fans in June with a post on Instagram, revealing the shocking turn of events.
According to his bandmates, Brunoli had been “sent away from the emergency room and his GP repeatedly” after first showing symptoms. After months of suffering, he was finally given a scan that revealed the cancer.
“The diagnosis was devastating, completely out of the blue,” his bandmates shared on his GoFundMe. “He has been incredibly strong through this process and is determined to fight. He is an incredible son, loving partner and lifelong friend to many.”
Since the fundraiser began, it has collected over $100,000 to help cover Brunoli's medical expenses.
He shared an update on July 31, expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of support. “I am getting used to living with a stoma and the goofiness of having an asshole on my belly!” he said. “Physically, this doesn’t hold me back, I’m able to do 90 per cent of what I could before, just with a slightly higher risk of getting a hernia.”
Brunoli’s friends and fans are also rallying around him with plans for a charity concert in Brisbane, as news of his diagnosis spreads.
Colorectal cancer, while most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 50, has been increasingly affecting younger people.
In fact, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners reported a 266% rise in colorectal cancer cases among 15- to 24-year-olds since the 1980s.
The musician’s diagnosis comes amid a broader trend of younger people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Experts have pointed to factors such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and diet as contributing factors. Environmental factors, including pollutants, have also been linked to the rise in cases.
Brunoli is urging young people to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical advice if they notice symptoms.
"Not to be preachy, but if you have witnessed any blood in your stool, experienced weird abdominal pains, unexplained weight loss, or extended periods of fatigue — don’t be afraid to raise it with your GP and ask for an abdominal ultrasound," he advised.
Brunoli’s call to action comes at a crucial time when early detection is proving to be key in improving survival chances. The Mayo Clinic lists several warning signs of colorectal cancer, which can be present in younger patients, including:
- Changes in bowel habits: Persistent changes such as diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
- Blood in stool: Blood may appear as bright red or cause stools to turn darker, indicating bleeding in the colon.
- Abdominal discomfort: This can include frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of colorectal cancer.
- Fatigue and weakness: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Narrow stools: Stools that are thinner than usual may indicate changes in the colon.
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation: A sensation that you need to have a bowel movement even after you’ve already gone.
- Iron deficiency anemia: In older adults, anemia can be a result of bleeding from colon cancer.